There is a fascinating contrast we live in that begins with a pervasive cultural aversion to judgment. In every area of modern society we have been taught to resist judgementalism in the name of tolerance and not offending people. But at the same time, we all have this innate and powerful desire for justice. Judgement is simply to say that something is wrong and to work to make it right! We know that things are not the way they should be. Everyone wants the world described at the end of Revelation characterized by peace and flourishing. Because that’s what we were made for.

The way God accomplishes the goal of making all things new is by judging the world and refashioning it into what he intended it to be. A temple to dwell in. And the Good News is that since the Fall in the garden, God has been working as the ultimate remodeler towards the crescendo of history when he will once and for all bring this reality of him dwelling fully with his people in perfect peace to fruition.

This was written to Christians in distress not to hide buried treasure for numerologists to find like but to make things clear for everyone. The four horsemen, the seals, the trumpets, and the bowls have often been read as the distant future, but God’s judgment here is the story of his activity in the world between the Resurrection of Christ and his Second Coming.

Ultimately, the only refuge we will ever find from the judgment of God is himself. That’s the point. This passage encourages us to run to him for rescue and to stir longing in our hearts for the Day when he will make all things right.

One day the door of grace will be closed forever and the opportunity to repent of sin and turn to God will end. Therefore the reality of coming judgment is evangelistic fuel for Christians as God patiently waits and restrains his wrath so more might be saved.